Umeed

Chapter 52

The morning sun streamed gently into the room, its rays filtering through the sheer curtains that swayed ever so slightly in the early breeze. The golden light painted soft patterns on the walls, dancing across the textured wallpaper and casting a warm, almost ethereal glow on the furniture. It was the kind of morning that whispered promises of tranquility, the world outside still wrapped in the remnants of dawn’s quiet. Inside the room, the peace was palpable, broken only by the steady rhythm of Shahzain’s breathing as he lay sprawled across the bed, lost in the depths of slumber.

The serenity of the moment, however, was not destined to last.

A tiny, deliberate hand reached out, brushing lightly against Shahzain’s cheek. Aayan, perched precariously on his father’s torso, stifled a giggle as he poked at his sleeping father. Beside him, his partner in mischief, Hoor, leaned in with an impish grin. She pressed a finger against Shahzain’s cheek, her small, soft hand delivering a playful pinch. Shahzain stirred, shifting slightly in his sleep, but he remained firmly in the grasp of his dreams. Undeterred, the children exchanged a conspiratorial glance, their wide eyes sparkling with shared amusement.

Hoor leaned closer, her face a mere inch from Shahzain’s ear. Then, with all the enthusiasm of an early riser, she yelled, “Good morning, Baba!”

Shahzain’s eyes flew open, his vision flooded with the sight of his two little troublemakers grinning down at him like cats that had caught a particularly unsuspecting mouse. For a brief moment, disorientation clouded his expression as he processed the scene before him. His usually serene mornings were rarely invaded so energetically, and yet, the sight of his children’s beaming faces was impossible to resist. Amusement flickered across his features as he blinked at them, his brain catching up with reality.

Standing by the window, Noor observed the commotion, her lips curving into a soft, involuntary smile. She couldn’t help but laugh quietly, the sound carrying the warmth of a mother’s affection. The golden light from the window framed her silhouette, giving her an almost angelic glow. Her delicate hands rested lightly against the curtain, fingers toying with the fabric as she watched the scene unfold.

Still sprawled on the bed, Shahzain’s lips twitched as he fought the grin threatening to break free. “So,” he began, his voice a low, teasing rumble, “this is how I’m greeted in the morning now, hmm?” His tone was mock-serious, though the sparkle in his dark eyes betrayed his amusement.

Without warning, Shahzain moved, his strong arms darting out to scoop both children up effortlessly. They shrieked in surprise, their giggles filling the room as he deposited them on the bed beside him. “And now,” he declared, his voice taking on a playfully menacing tone, “it’s my turn!”

What followed was nothing short of delightful chaos. Shahzain launched into an all-out tickle attack, his fingers finding all the spots he knew would send Ayaan and Hoor into fits of uncontrollable laughter. The room erupted into joyous sound, the children squirming and kicking in their father’s grasp as they tried in vain to escape his relentless assault. Their laughter was infectious, a melody that seemed to brighten the very air.

“Ammi! Help!” Ayaan managed to cry out, his small hands attempting to push Shahzain’s away.

Hoor joined in, her voice equally desperate yet laced with amusement. “Ammi! Save us!”

Noor, still standing by the window, simply shook her head, her smile widening. “You two little monsters brought this on yourselves,” she remarked, her tone light with mock disapproval.

It was Ayaan who cracked under the pressure. Between gasps of laughter, he blurted out, “Baba! It was Ammi! She told us to bite your cheek!”

The room stilled for a moment, the declaration hanging in the air. Noor’s eyes widened in shock, her lips parting as she struggled to form a response. “I did no such thing!” she protested, her voice rising in indignation.